Former Partner To Testify Against Mason Lawmaker Pete Beck

By

Associated Press

Dateline

Cincinnati, OH

Updated Thu, Apr 24, 2014 3:57 pm

Photo Credit:

Statehouse.gov

Republican Rep. Peter Beck

A former business partner has agreed to testify against an Ohio lawmaker charged with theft and fraud for allegedly misleading investors about a company's financial status and using their money for personal gain.

Prosecutors said during a Thursday hearing in Hamilton County court that they reached a plea agreement with John Fussner so he'll testify against Republican state Rep. Pete Beck of Mason.

Fussner pleaded guilty to selling unregistered securities in an insolvent company. In exchange, prosecutors dropped six other charges.

Although Fussner's guilty pleas could carry between two and eight years in prison, prosecutors say they'll recommend probation as long as he goes through with testifying against Beck.

Beck's trial was set for Nov. 17. The 61-year-old has denied the allegations and brushed away calls to resign.